I adjusted one strand and said, "They look great."
We sipped our hot chocolates, admiring the tree for a few seconds, before I remembered I was still cooking on the stove.I set my mug on the coffee table and checked the pasta.
"I'll empty it for you.Don't want you to get burned."Ford drained the pasta into the strainer, the steam from the water pouring out.
It was a thoughtful gesture.I had never lived with a guy or even gotten close to it.I roomed with my sister, which stopped me from getting too serious about anyone, and maybe that was on purpose.I knew how much love hurt.
I'd insulated myself over the years from anyone getting too close, and it was all because of this guy.So I had to remain vigilant.I couldn't let myself fall for him, even if it felt uncontrollable.
"You want to start on the ornaments?The chicken will take longer."
In the family room, I pulled out the vintage-looking decorations, hanging them on the tree, much like we had at my place.
He handled the top of the tree, and I covered the bottom branches.We were halfway through the ornaments when the timer sounded.
Ford handed his ornament to me."I'll check on the chicken."
I found a bare spot and hung the baby-blue mustang."It's coming together nicely."
"Clara included garland for the mantle too."
I pulled it out, arranging it on the mantle.Then I found three candles of various heights.The boxes indicted that they had timers on them, so they'd be lit for five hours a day.He wouldn't even have to turn them on."Did you ask for candles?"
"Nope."
"Well, Clara included them.She thought of everything."
"If I ever plan a Christmas-themed party, I'll be sure to hire her."
I laughed."She's amazing."
"Dinner's ready, if you want to set the table."
I rushed to help him, grabbing the plates and silverware, pleased to see that he didn't have any boxes.He'd unpacked, which meant he was here to stay for a while.I wouldn't get my hopes up, but it was a good sign.
I set the dining room table since that was the only one he had.
"How do you feel about real candles?"
"That would be nice."
He pulled out tall white pillars that ran the length of the table.
"I feel like a princess eating at this table," I said as he lit each one.
"It has a nice ambiance."
"Your grandmother would be pleased to know you used her things."
He raised a brow."This is the first time."
"You haven't had family over yet?"
"They saw it when I moved in, but I wasn't ready for guests yet.I figured I had a lot of renovations to complete before I could host."
"Well, this is fine for me.I'm not fancy."
"I'm glad you approve."He carried over the bowl of pasta and the chicken parmesan and plated it for me.He poured wine in the glasses and sat across from me at the table.
